It was born around 1936 thanks to the genial initiative of the Lawyer Mr. Prospero Fiorito. It appeared the first time in Armeno on the occasion of the celebration of the war veterans from the military campaign in Africa. The group obtained the favor of the population from Sovazza and the number of its members increased thanks to the participation of people from all ages. The adopted costumes were the clothes used in the previous century, found in old trunks; we completed them with the typical tools of the female and male jobs in the houses, in the fields and in the Alps. The group made also a research on mountain songs and ancient ballads to be performed and accompanied by the accordion.

Costumes

Women wear clothes composed of a multicolored pleated skirt, a lace corsage, an embroidered pinafore, colorful handkerchiefs and shawls; a white canvas underskirt hides long johns, both adorned with lace edgings, white socks and shoes decorated with wool little balls in the same color as the dress. Their hairstyle foresees silver hairpins while ancient jewels complete the dress.

Men wear brown moleskin trousers and a waistcoat, a white shirt and a small red neckerchief as well as the red sash that wraps their waist. They wear a dark green felt broad-brimmed hat.

La Cuna ( the Cradle)

One of the women from the group has always carried a pannier on her shoulders to which there is a cradle tied with ribbons (la cuna). The cradle is prepared in the typical alpine manner: the baby is fastened by the striere repaired from the cierc by a white veil and covered by a dubbieta. The mattress is made with leaves and it is the “ bisachin “. The cradle is wooden carved and is connected to one of the most typical scenes of the group.

The shows

In the performances women carry baskets full of heath, mountain flowers called “rocch” and spindles for wool and canvas, embroideries, knitting needles, socks and “scalfit” and other tools typical of old-time female crafts.
Men carry the typical tools used for cow milking, churning or the ones used by farmers in high pasture lands.
Some of the mountain songs in the authentic dialect from Sovazza, others are part of the well-known folk inheritance. The dances are free-reinterpreted remakes of the moments of festivals and work and have been choreographically enriched by typical instruments and accessories, such as the “roca”, l’umbrela,al scial,al val e a la spega.

The accordion accompanies and cheers up every moment of the show.